Nick Wright worries about Ben Simmons’ mental issues overcoming criticism - "150 million dollars got so deep in his own head about insecurities, it might have derailed his entire career”
Ben Simmons has struggled since returning to the court this season. NBA analyst Nick Wright is concerned that the All-Star's career might be derailed due to mental health issues. On "What's Wright with Nick Wright," he said:
"Ben Simmons, number one pick of the draft, All-NBA, 150 million dollars, got so deep in his own head about insecurities and unhappiness, it might have derailed his entire career.
"You can't achieve your way out of either unhappiness or anxieties or whatever. And that's been the hard thing for me is to realize, like no level of professional success is going to fill that hole or make me figure that stuff out."
(From 18:08)
Simmons had a rough 2020-21 season after his performances were criticized by the Philadelphia 76ers fans in the playoffs. He cited mental health issues as the reason he could no longer play for the Sixers and missed the entire 2021-22 season.
The Australian eventually decided to force his way out of Philly and signed with the Brooklyn Nets in a deal involving James Harden.
Despite taking a year off, we are yet to see Simmons return to his best. In six games for the Nets this season, Simmons is averaging 6.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.
Kyrie Irving has spoken in defense of Ben Simmons
Simmons' slander has continued since the start of the 2022-23 season. The former Defensive Player of the Year runner-up is yet to overcome his fear of shooting the ball.
Many believe the Nets will not be successful if things continue this way. While he can be a great facilitator, him getting on the scoresheet will go a long way in helping the Nets win games.
With all the attention on Simmons' performances, Kyrie Irving recently said that the Aussie should be given some breathing room:
"You guys keep coming here asking me, 'What about Ben? What about Ben?' He hasn't played in two years, give him a f**king chance. We're just here to give him positive affirmations while he's out there and just let him hoop."
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There is bound to be some rust after a player has missed so much action. However, there are concerns as to how aggressive Simmons is when it comes to scoring the ball.
Nets dealing with internal issues
Besides this issue, there is a lot more going wrong with the Nets. On November 1, they parted ways with coach Steve Nash.
Some reports suggest the Nets are interested in hiring Ime Udoka, who is currently suspensed for workplace misconduct by the Boston Celtics. However, the Celtics have given the go-ahead for him to have talks with the Nets.
Additionally, Irving is currently serving a suspension for publicizing a controversial documentary without explaining his stance. The Nets said they cannot be associated with the former NBA champ until he satisfies some measures.
Nets statement on Kyrie Irving: “We are of the view that he is currently unfit to be associated with the Brooklyn Nets. We have decided that Kyrie will serve a suspension without pay until he satisfies a series of objective remedial measures…” https://t.co/Mp682Sck23
Irving will be suspended without pay for at least five games, per the Nets' statement. The Nets are currently 13th in the Eastern Conference standings with a 2-6 record.